Residents of the Lowcountry have a critical opportunity to prioritize their health next week as a local specialty clinic opens its doors for free oral cancer screenings in the Lowcountry. From April 13 through April 16, Hilton Head Oral &. Maxillofacial Surgery will provide no-cost evaluations at its Bluffton and Hilton Head Island offices, aiming to catch potentially life-threatening malignancies in their earliest, most treatable stages.
The initiative coincides with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a period dedicated to educating the public on the risks and warning signs of cancers that affect the mouth, throat, and voice box. These screenings are being offered through a strategic partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving survival rates through increased awareness and early diagnosis.
As a physician, overstate the importance of these screenings. Oral cancer is often a “silent” disease in its beginning phases, meaning patients may feel perfectly healthy even as a tumor begins to grow. By the time pain or significant difficulty swallowing emerges, the cancer may have progressed to a more advanced stage, complicating treatment and reducing the likelihood of a full recovery.
Where and When to Get Screened
The clinics will operate on a walk-in basis during the designated window. Patients are encouraged to arrive between 9 a.m. And 3 p.m. And specifically request the free cancer screening upon arrival.
| Date | Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 13–16 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 321 Hope Pond Way, Suite 101, Bluffton, S.C. 29910 |
| April 13–16 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 10 Hospital Center Commons, Suite D, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 |
The Danger of the “Painless” Phase
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about oral cancer is that it must be painful to be serious. In reality, early-stage lesions are frequently asymptomatic. This lack of pain often leads patients to ignore changes in their mouth for weeks or months, missing the window for the most effective interventions.
Brian C. Low, DMD, FACOMS, of Hilton Head Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, emphasizes that waiting for physical discomfort is a risky strategy. “Don’t wait until you feel pain,” Low said. “You might not feel pain during the initial stages, so if you see or feel anything out of the ordinary, get it checked out as quickly as possible.”
This medical reality is underscored by the rising incidence of these diseases. According to estimates attributed to the American Cancer Society, there are projected to be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer in 2026, with 13,150 deaths attributed to the disease in that same year.
Understanding Oropharyngeal Cancer and HPV
While traditional risk factors like tobacco and heavy alcohol use remain significant, medical professionals have noted a shift in the demographics of oral cancer. There is a rising trend in oropharyngeal cancers—those occurring in the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils—linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In other words that even non-smokers and younger adults are increasingly at risk, making regular professional screenings essential for everyone, regardless of their lifestyle habits.
How to Conduct an Oral Self-Examination
While a professional screening is the gold standard, doctors recommend that patients supplement their annual clinical visits with monthly self-examinations. This habit allows individuals to notice subtle changes that might otherwise proceed overlooked between appointments.
Justin R. Odette, DDS, FACOMS, of Hilton Head Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, suggests a systematic approach to checking the mouth, throat, and neck. “Using a bright light and mirror, look for anything out of the ordinary in or on your mouth, throat or neck,” Odette said.
When performing a self-check, patients should specifically look for the following red flags:
- Discolored Patches: Look for leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red patches) on the gums, tongue, or lining of the cheeks.
- Non-healing Sores: Any ulcer or sore that does not heal within two weeks should be evaluated.
- Unexplained Lumps: Feel for swelling or hard lumps in the neck or under the jawline.
- Bleeding: Pay close attention to sores or areas of the mouth that bleed without an obvious cause.
The Impact of Early Detection
The goal of providing free oral cancer screenings in the Lowcountry is to shift the diagnosis timeline. When oral cancer is detected at Stage I, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when it is discovered at Stage III or IV. A clinical screening involves a visual inspection of the soft tissues and a manual palpation of the neck and jaw to detect abnormalities that a patient might miss during a self-exam.
For those who cannot attend the screenings next week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends maintaining regular dental checkups, as dentists and oral surgeons are often the first line of defense in detecting oral malignancies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The free screening event concludes on the afternoon of April 16. Following these dates, residents are encouraged to schedule annual screenings with their primary care provider or dental professional to maintain long-term vigilance.
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